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Thursday, 9 November 2017

Syrian army and allies 'capture' last ISIS stronghold

The Syrian army has captured the last major Islamic State-held town, Albu Kamal, the country's media said.

The pro-Assad alliance commander confirmed the last urban centre in Syria was now free.

He said: "The last stronghold of Daesh (Islamic State), Albu Kamal, is free of the Daesh organisation."

The army and its allies moved into the city and were driving out ISIS fighters throughout Wednesday.

It marks another significant point in the fight against the militant group, which is now effectively wiped out following the fall of major strongholds.

Earlier this month, the forces celebrated taking Deir el Zor after two months of fighting.

Albu Kamal was the last urban centre in Syria in the hands of the extremists. According to SANA, the advance came as troops and allies, including fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah militia, met at the Iraqi border.